This guitar is a replica of Robbin Crosby’s beloved Jackson Double Rhoads. It is affectionally known as “Big Red”, and was not only the guitar most often used by Robbin, but was also his favorite guitar. It can be argued that Big Red is one of the Top 10 most recognized Jackson guitars ever built and it has been extensively documented over the years.

This replica bears the special serial number, JCF-02-04 in reference to it being part of the Jackson/Charvel Forum ("JCF" for short) Limited Collector's Series. In a nutshell, this is a series that was meant to pay tribute to the historic guitars and players of Jackson/Charvel guitars.

Not many people know that the Jackson King V guitar was actually named after Robbin; as most people associate the guitar with Dave Mustaine, and that was a small thorn in Robbin's side. In a move to "right the wrongs," and to remind the world who put the "King" in the Jackson "King V," the JCF Administration chose "Big Red" as the model to have made for the second installment of their collectors series. It made perfect sense to choose Big Red, as it is certainly one of the first guitars that come to mind when you think of him.

Of the 30 guitars that were to be made, Robbin was to receive one of the guitars as a gift, and his was to have its own serial number of RKC - 00. Robbin's original reaction when he was asked to participate in the series was pure King; he quickly said "Fuck Jackson! I'm sick of selling guitars for them!" When he learned that these guitars would be pre-sold and bought by some of his biggest fans, he had a change of heart. In fact, Robbin became very excited about the project and he signed and numbered each of the plates that would be used to cover the tremolo cavity. Originally, the JCF administration had hoped to also have Robbin's signature on the face of the headstock but unfortunately this idea never materialized.

Sadly, Robbin “King” Crosby slipped away before the construction of the guitars would begin, and the series was cancelled during Jackson's buyout by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in October of 2002. Thankfully, the project was resurrected a year later, and the guitars were finally completed in late 2004.

Big Red was the first guitar completed by Charvel/Jackson in the now classic Jackson King V style, neck through construction using two equal sized wings and no pickguard. Many of the details of the original have been used in this limited JCF production and I am thrilled to have been part of the project. This is a very fitting tribute to a very cool and talented fallen hero, thanks for the music Robbin.

I would like to thank Sully for his help in writing this text.